Tell Us: Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
You might be surprised at the results of a poll on the subject.
Photos
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
When it comes to season’s greetings, a new poll shows the majority of Americans prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.”
According to a survey from Rasmussen Reports, 68 percent of people polled prefer the traditional “Merry Christmas” while just 23 percent like "Happy Holidays," which can cover a variety of occasions.
When it comes to holiday signs, a whopping 70 percent of shoppers polled said they prefer to be greeted with “Merry Christmas” in stores rather than the more neutral "Happy Holidays," according to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
It doesn't end there. There have been "Christmas Trees" banned or replaced with "Holiday Trees," nativity scenes scrapped to avoid offending some, and the list goes on. Some say such things as “Merry Christmas” and nativity scenes exclude non-Christians.
The so-called “War on Christmas” has been a hot topic for years, with some saying “Merry Christmas” excludes non-Christians. Others believe a religious connotation behind the greeting does not belong in government or schools.
We want to know what you think. Take our poll and tell us if you prefer “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” Let us know the reason behind your preference in the in the comment section below.
Joe Sousa.
5:30 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
I think more people see Christmas as a non religious Holiday. It's more about family ,friends and sharing our good fortune with people in need. For all who want to look way back at the Christmas tree tradition and find the word Christmas offensive. Let's look at the word Holiday .
"Middle English, from Old English hāligdæg, from hālig holy + dæg day
First Known Use: before 12th century"
From the term Holy Day we get Holiday.
Our language and culture is a mix of old and new. They are American traditions that welcome all who care to participate. The best of the melting pot .
Renee Cwiek
8:39 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
I've always used Happy Holidays. Not for any particular reason, only that it includes every holiday this time of year.
Mike
10:15 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
Happy holidays for me too. But I'm not offended if anyone tells me to have a merry christmas, particularly if the greeting is followed up with a present for me :)
Melanie
10:32 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
Definitely MERRY CHRISTMAS. This is the HOLYday we're celebrating. If anyone were to wish me a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or whatever their special holyday, I'm never offended. I know the meaning behind it and it feels wonderful. For me "happy holidays" is too generic and doesn't have the warmth.
Mike
12:13 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
I guess I'm not a warm person :)
Tiverton Dad
12:20 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
American use of the term "Happy Holidays" to replace "Merry Christmas" dates back at least to the 1950s and was a common phrase relating to the Christmas season at least going back to the 1890s. The term may have gained popularity with the Irving Berlin song "Happy Holidays," released in 1942 and included in the film Holiday Inn. (Wikipedia)
If we have been using "happy holidays" since the 1890s, why all the fuss about it now?
Mike
4:40 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
Because the irrational and insecure are driven by emotion instead of intellect? :)